Mite Composition, Use Thereof, Method for Rearing a Phytoseiid Predatory Mite, Rearing System for Rearing Said Phytoseiid Predatory Mite and Methods for Biological Pest Control on a Crop

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a novel mite composition comprising a population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species and a factitious host population, which may be employed for rearing said phytoseiid predatory mite species or for releasing the pyrltoseiid predatory mite species in a crop. According to further aspects the invention relates to a method for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite species, to the use of the mite composition and to a method for biological pest control in a crop, which employ the mite composition.

This invention according to a first aspect relates to a novel mite composition.

According to a second aspect the invention relates to a novel method for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite species.

According to a third aspect the invention relates to a novel use of the Astigmatid mite species Carpoglyphus lactis as a factitious host, for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite species.

According to a fourth and fifth aspect the invention relates to a novel rearing system for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite species and to the use of this rearing system for the control of crop pests.

According to yet further aspects the invention relates to a method for biological pest control in a crop employing the mite composition according to the invention.

In the following description and claims the names of the phytoseiid mites is as referred to in de Moraes, G. J. et al., 2004, unless otherwise stated. An overview of the referenced families and species is provided in FIG. 1.

Phytoseiid predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) are widely used for biological control of spider mites and thrips in greenhouse crops. The most important thrips species in greenhouse crops are Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci). They can be controlled with the predatory mites Amnblyseius cucumeris and Amblyseius barkeri (Hansen, L. S. and Geyti, J., 1985; Ramakers, P. M. J. and van Lieburg, M. J., 1982; Ramakers, P. M. J., 1989; Sampson, C., 1998; and Jacobson, R. J., 1995) and Iphiseius degenerans (Ramakers, P. M. J. and Voet, S. J. P., 1996). In the absence of prey these species are able to establish and maintain in crops which provide a continuous supply of pollen, such as sweet peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). In crops where pollen is not freely available, such as for example cucumbers and most ornamental crops, these species cannot be used unless food is artificially provided. This can be done by dusting plant pollen on the crop.

Alternatively a controlled release rearing system (as disclosed by Sampson, C. (1998) or in GB2393890) can be used for Amblyseius cucumeris. This controlled release rearing system consists of a sachet with a compartment which contains a food mixture, consisting of bran, yeast and wheat germ; a population of the grain mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae and a population of the predatory mite Amblyseius cucumeris. The grain mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae will develop an active population on the food mixture and serves as a factitious host for the predatory mite population. The sachets are hung in the crop by means of a hook and will continuously release predatory mites over a period of 4 to 6 weeks.

Because Amblyseius cucumeris has a rather weak numerical response to the presence of food, large quantities of predatory mites have to be released into a crop in order to have sufficient pest control. This is economically possible because Amblyseius cucumeris can be economically reared in very large quantities on the grain mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae, which may be reared in sufficient amounts on the above described food mixture.

Although there are much more efficient predatory mites for thrips control with a higher predation rate and numerical response, such as Typhlodromalus limonicus and Iphiseius degenerans, Amblyseius cucumeris is still the most commonly used species because it can easily be reared in very large quantities.

Iphiseius degenerans is mass-reared on Castor Bean Plants (Ricinus communis L., Euphorbiaceae) which provide a continuous supply of pollen on which the mites can develop large populations. Because of the large surface and high investment in greenhouses needed for growing the plants, the cost price of Iphiseius degerenans is very high compared to Amblyseius cucumeris. Due to this high cost price growers can only release very low numbers, typically 1000-2000 predatory mites per hectare. Therefore, the application of Iphiseius degenerans is limited to peppers (Capsicum annuum L.), which provide sufficient pollen on which the predatory mites can develop a population, which is sufficient for pest control. It may take several months before the population of Iphiseius degenerans is at full strength in a crop in order to be able to have a significant impact on thrips pest populations.

Two-spotted Spider Mites (Tetranychus urticae) are successfully controlled in greenhouse and outdoor crops world-wide by releasing predatory mites. The most important species are Phytoseiulus persimilis (Hussey., N. W. and Scopes, N. E. A., 1985), which is the oldest mite which is commercially available for biological control and Neoseiulus californicus (Wei-Lan Ma and Laing, J. E., 1973). Both predatory mites are mass-reared on their natural host Tetranychus urticae on bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) in greenhouses. Castagnoli, M. and Simoni, S. (1999) have also described a method for mass-rearing Neoseiulus californicus on the House Dust Mite Dermatophagoides farinae. However, house Dust Mites (Dermatophagoides farinae and Derinatophagoides pteronyssinus) produce important allergens, implicated in allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and dermatitis. Therefore their use in controlled release rearing systems for releasing predatory mites in crops has disadvantages. Another disadvantage is that when House Dust Mites are used for mass-rearing purposes, extensive measures are advisable and in certain cases necessary for worker protection.

Scientific literature reports several predatory mites which prey on whiteflies (Teich, Y. 1966; Swirski, E. et al., 1967; Nomikou, M. et al., 2001). Unfortunately, to date there are still no predatory mites commercially available for biological control of whiteflies. Probably because despite the known predation of predatory mites on whiteflies their usability as augmentative biological control agents against whiteflies has not been recognized in the art. In augmentative biological control, biological agents are released in a crop for the control of a pest. Even more important, no economic mass-rearing systems, necessary for allowing the release of large numbers of the predatory mites into a crop, which is of utmost importance for their usability as an augmentative biological control agent, are available in the art for those predatory mite species which could potentially be efficacious against white flies.

Instead whiteflies are controlled by releasing parasitoid wasps such as Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus against the Greenhouse Whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum and the parasitoid wasp Eretmocerus mundus against the Tobacco Whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Also several predators are mass-reared and released, such as for example the predatory Mirid bug Macrolophus caliginosus and the coccinellid Delphastus catalinae. Mass-rearing of all these parasitoids and predators involves the greenhouse production of plants and whiteflies which involves considerable investments.

Biological control of whiteflies and other crop pests with predatory mites which can be economically reared in large quantities on a factitious host mite in a rearing medium would be very advantageous because such a rearing system uses a limited surface. Furthermore in such a system rearing of the predatory mite can be performed in controlled climate rooms. As such it does not require large investments in greenhouses and crops.

Recent research has indicated the potential of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii as a very efficient biological control agent of thrips (Thrips tabaci and Frankliniella occidentalis) and whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum and Bemisia tabaci) (Nomikou, M., Janssen, A., Schraag, R. and Sabelis, M. W., 2001; Messelink, G. & Steenpaal, S. 2003; Messelink, G. 2004; Messelink, G. & Steenpaal, S. 2004; Bolckmans, K. & Moerman, M. 2004; Messelink, G. & Pijnakker, J. 2004). Amblyseius swirskii has shown a very strong numerical response to the presence of pests and plant pollen. This means that, compared to Amblyseius cucumeris, much lower numbers of mites have to be released in order to acquire good biological control. In one trial, release of 1 Amblyseius swirskii per leaf on sweet pepper plants resulted in the same level of control of Western Flower Thrips as releasing 30 Amblyseius cucumeris per leaf (Bolckmans, K. & Moerman, M. 2004).

The prior art describes rearing of Amblyseius cucumeris and Amblyseius barkeri with the aid of a factitious host mite species from the genus Tyrophagus, in particular Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tyrophagus tropicus, Tyrophagus casei (Sampson, C., 1998; Jacobson, R. J., 1995; Bennison, J. A. and R. Jacobson, 1991; Karg et al., 1987; and GB293890) and from the genus Acarus, in particular Acarus siro (Beglyarov et al., 1990) and Acarus farris (Hansen, L. S. and J. Geyti, 1985; Ramakers, P. M. J. and van Lieburg, M. J., 1982), which all belong to the family of the Acaridea.

The most common rearing host for Amblyseius cucumeris is Tyrophagus putrescentiae. An important disadvantage of Tyrophagus putrescentiae is that it can cause plant damage to young plant leaves when it is present on crops, e.g. when used as a factitious host in slow release breeding sachets similar to that disclosed by (Sampson, C., 1998) or in GB293890. This is especially the case in cucumber crops during periods of high humidity especially if this is combined with a low light intensity.

Castagnoli et al. have also described the possibility of mass-rearing. Neoseiulus californicus (Castagnoli, M. and S. Simoni, 1999) and Amblyseius cucumeris (Castagnoli, M., 1989) on the House Dust Mite Dermatophagoides farinae as a factitious rearing host. However, House Dust Mites (Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) produce important allergens, implicated in allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and dermatitis.

Thus there is a need in the art for additional factitious hosts which can be used for mass rearing beneficial mites, such as predatory mites. Especially for rearing of Amblyseius swirskii. For this predatory mite rearing has only been disclosed in the art using pollen (Messelink, G. & Pijnakker, J. 2004) or eggs from the lepidopterans Corcyra cephalonica or Ephestia kuehniella (Romeih, A. H. M. et al., 2004).

Rearing on pollen necessitates either large greenhouse areas for the production of plants such as Castor Bean Plants (Ricinus communis) to obtain sufficient pollen, or collecting suitable plant pollen such as from Cattail (Typha spp.) outdoors. Collecting plant pollen outdoors is very labour intensive and only limited quantities can be collected. Honeybee collected plant pollen is unsuitable for rearing predatory mites.

Rearing on lepidopteran eggs requires large investments in production facilities and thus is very expensive.

In view of the above there is a need in the art for alternative factitious host mites, which can be employed in the mass-rearing of phytoseiid predatory mites.

It has now been found that Astigmatid mite species from the family of the Carpoglyphydae may be used as factitious host for a great number of phytoseiid predatory mite species.

Thus according to a first aspect the invention relates to a mite composition comprising a rearing population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species and a factitious host population comprising at least one species selected from the family of the Carpoglyphidae such as from the genus Carpoglyphus, preferably the Dried Fruit Mite Carpoglyphus lactis (Linne, 1758) (Acari: Carpoglyphidae).

The phytoseiid predatory mite species which are most likely to be able to feed on Carpoglyphidae and in particular Carpoglyphus lactis are oligophagous phytoseiid predatory mite species. An oligophagous phytoseiid predatory mite species is a phytoseiid predatory mite species which is able to use at least a few different prey species as a food source for its development (growth and reproduction). As such the term oligophagous predatory mite species in this specification includes a polyphagous mite species, being a predatory mite which can use a great number of prey species as a food source for its development. Thus the term oligophagous predatory mite species is to be understood to mean a non-monophagous predatory mite species.

A factitious host species is a species which inhabits a different natural habitat then the phytoseiid predatory mite, but nevertheless one or more life stages of the factitious host are suitable prey for at least one life stage of the phytoseiid predatory mite. Most importantly the phytoseiid predatory mite has the ability to develop and to reproduce when feeding upon a diet of the factitious host such that the number of individuals in the rearing population can grow.

Phytoseiid predatory mites have their natural habitat on plants where they prey on pest organisms (insects and mites). They may be isolated from their natural habitats as described by de Moraes et al., 2004.

Carpoglyphidae are described by Hughes, A. M. (1977). Based on the disclosure of this document the skilled person will be able to isolate specific species from this family from their natural habitat. Carpoglyphus lactis is a cosmopolitan species which develops on and in a variety of stored organic materials. It is mainly found on dried fruit, such as dried figs, prunes, raisins, etcetera and on the debris in honeybee hives (Hughes, A. M. 1977; Chmielewski; W., 1971 (a); Chmielewski, W., 1971 (b)).

Thus the composition according to the invention provides a new association of mites, which does not occur naturally, as the phytoseiid predatory mite inhabits a different habitat then the Carpoglyphidae.

The composition according to the invention is not only suitable for mass-rearing of a phytoseiid predatory mite. As it also comprises mobile preying life stages of a phytoseiid predatory mite, or life stages which can develop into these mobile life stages, it can also be employed as a biological crop protection agent.

In a preferred embodiment the composition comprises a carrier for the individuals of the populations. The carrier can be any solid material which is suitable to provide a carrier surface to the individuals. Preferably the carrier provides a porous medium, which allows exchanges of metabolic gases and heat produced by the mite populations. Examples of suitable carriers are plant materials such as (wheat) bran, buckwheat husks, rice husks, saw dust, corn cob grits etcetera.

It is further preferred if a food substance suitable for the factitious host population is added to the composition. Alternatively the carrier itself may comprise a suitable food substance. A suitable food substance may be similar to that described by Parkinson, C. L., 1992; Solomon, M. E. & Cunnington, A. M., 1963; Chmielewski, W, 1971 a; Chmielewski, W, 1971 b or GB2393890.

According to a preferred embodiment of the composition the phytoseiid predatory mite is selected from:

-   -   the subfamily of the Amblyseiinae, such as from the Genus         Amblyseius, e.g. Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius swirskii or         Amblyseius largoensis, from the genus Euseius e.g. Euseius         finlandicus, Euseius hibisci, Euseius ovalis, Euseius         victoriensis, Euseius stipulatus, Euseius scutalis, Euseius         tularensis, Euseius addoensis or Euseius citri, from the genus         Neoseiulus e.g. Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus californicus,         Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus longispinosus, Neoseiulus         womersleyi, Neoseiulus idaeus or Neoseiulus fallacis, from the         genus Typhlodromalus e.g. Typhlodromalus limonicus or         Typhlodromalus peregrinus from the genus Typhlodromips e.g.         Typhlodromips montdorensis;     -   the subfamily of the Typhlodrominae, such as from the genus         Galendroinus e.g. Galendroinus occidentalis, from the genus         Typhlodromus e.g. Typhlodromus pyri, Typhlodromus doreenae or         Typhlodroinus athiasae. These phytoseiid predatory mite species         may be considered as being oligophagous predatory mite species.

The phytoseiid predatory mite preferably is selected as Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, 1962, (Chant and McMurtry), 2004, (=Typhlodromips swirskii (Athias-Henriot), 1962, De Moraes et al., 2004). For this species rearing on a factitious host mite has not been disclosed in the art. The present invention now for the first time discloses a mite composition which can be used for economic rearing of Amblyseius swirskii by using a species from the family of the Carpoglyphidae as a factitious host. Making it possible to use Amblyseius swirskii as an augmentative biological pest control agent. It should however be understood that in certain embodiments of the invention the phytoseiid predatory mite species is selected from a species other then Amblyseius swirskii.

Differences in acceptance of the factitious host may be observed between different strains of the phytoseiid predatory mite species. Furthermore, it might be possible to breed a strain which is adapted to a specific factitious host by selective breeding.

In this specification the term rearing must be understood to include the propagation and increase of a population by means of sexual reproduction.

A rearing population may comprise sexually mature adults from both sexes, and/or individuals of both sexes of other life stages, e.g. eggs and/or nymphs, which can mature to sexually mature adults. Alternative the rearing population may comprise one or more fertilized females. In essence the rearing population is capable of increasing the number of its individuals by means of sexual reproduction.

Preferably the factitious host population is a rearing population, as defined above, such that it may sustain or even develop itself to a certain degree. If the factitious host is provided as a rearing population, preferably a food substance for the factitious host is also provided. The food substance may be similar to a food substance as disclosed in Solomon, M. E. and Cunnington, A. M., 1963; Parkinson, C. L., 1992; Ramakers, P. M. J. and van Lieburg, M. J., 1982; GB2393890.

The factitious host is preferably selected as Carpoglyphus lactis. Carpoglyphus lactis also called the dried fruit mite is a cosmopolitan species which develops on and in a variety of stored organic materials. It is mainly found on dried fruit, such as dried figs, prunes, raisins, etcetera and on the debris in honeybee hives (Hughes, A. M., 1977; Chmielewski, W., 1971 (a); Chmielewski, W., 1971 (b)). Contrary to Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Carpoglyphus lactis does not cause damage to crops. Therefore, a factitious host from this preferred selection will have benefits when the composition according to the invention is used for crop protection in such a way that individuals of the factitious host population may come in contact with the crop e.g. when applied directly on or in the vicinity of the crop or when used in slow/controlled/sustained release sachets.

A further benefit of Carpoglyphus lactis is that it is considered to be a cosmopolitan species. As such international trade of products comprising it will encounter less regulatory restrictions as is encountered in many countries for foreign species.

Also it has been found that Carpoglyphus lactis is in particular a suitable factitious host for Amblyseius swirskii as this predator can feed on multiple life stages and under certain circumstances all life stages of this host.

In the composition the number of individuals of the phytoseiid predatory mite species relative to the number of individuals of the factitious host may be from about 1000:1 to 1:20, such as about 100:1 to 1:20 e.g. 1:1 to 1:10, preferably about 1:4, 1:5 or 1:7.

The relative numbers may depend on the specific intended use of the composition and/or the stage of development of phytoseiid mite population on the factitious host. In general compositions wherein individuals of the factitious host are present in excess to the individuals of the phytoseiid mite are preferred for rearing of the phytoseiid mite species, so that sufficient prey is provided to the phytoseiid mite. However, as the phytoseiid mite population will increase while preying on the factitious host, the relative number of individuals of the phytoseiid mite species will increase.

A composition comprising a high relative numbers of the phytoseiid predatory mite may be formed from a composition comprising a smaller relative number and allowing the rearing population of the phytoseiid predatory mite to develop by preying on the factitious host. Alternatively a composition comprising a small relative number of the phytoseiid predatory mite can be formed by mixing a composition comprising a higher relative number with a composition comprising a smaller relative number, including a composition comprising solely the factitious host, optionally in combination with the carrier and/or a food substance suitable for the factitious host.

According to a further aspect the present invention relates to a method for rearing the phytoseiid predatory mite species. The method comprises providing a composition according to the invention and allowing individuals of said phytoseiid predatory mite to prey on individuals of said factitious host population.

For an optimal development of the phytoseiid predatory mite, the composition is e.g. maintained at 18-35° C., preferably 20-30° C., more preferably 20-25° C., most preferably 22-25° C. Suitable relative humidity ranges are between 75-95%, preferably 80-90%. These temperature and relative humidity intervals are in general also suitable to maintain the factitious host species.

It is preferred that the composition comprises a carrier which can provide a porous medium and a food substance for the factitious host specie and that the factitious host species is maintained as a three dimensional culture on the carrier. In such a three dimensional culture members of the factitious host species are free to move in three dimensions. In this way they may infest a larger volume of the carrier and utilise the food substance more optimally. Considering the size of the mobile stages of the phytoseiid predatory mite species relative to individuals of the factitious host, this organism will in general also infest the total volume of the carrier, when foraging for the factitious host. Preferably the three dimensional culture is obtained by providing the carrier in a three dimensional layer, i.e. a layer having three dimensions, of which two dimensions are larger then one dimension. Exemplary is a horizontal layer with a length and breadth in the order of metres and a certain thickness in the order of centimetres. A three dimensional layer is preferred because it will allow sufficient exchange of metabolic heat and gasses and will provide a larger production volume compared to a two dimensional layer.

According to a further aspect the invention is aimed to the use of an Astigmatid mite selected from the family of the Carpoglyphidae such as from the genus Carpoglyphus, preferably the species Carpoglyphus lactis, as a factitious host for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite.

The Astigmatid mite is preferably selected from the genus Carpoglyphus and most preferably is Carpoglyphus lactis, for reasons discussed above.

The phytoseiid predatory mite is preferably selected from:

-   -   the subfamily of the Amblyseiinae, such as from the Genus         Amblyseius, e.g. Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius swirskii or         Amblyseius largoensis, from the genus Euseius e.g. Euseius         finlandicus, Euseius hibisci, Euseius ovalis, Euseius         victoriensis, Euseius stipulatus, Euseius scutalis, Euseius         tularensis, Euseius addoensis or Euseius citri, from the genus         Neoseiulus e.g. Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus californicus,         Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus longispinosus, Neoseiulus         womersleyi, Neoseiulus idaeus or Neoseiulus fallacis, from the         genus Typhlodromalus e.g. Typhlodromalus limonicus or         Typhlodromalus peregrinus from the genus Typhlodromips e.g.         Typhlodroinips montdorensis;     -   the subfamily of the Typhlodrominae, such as from the genus         Galendroinus e.g. Galendromus occidentalis, from the genus         Typhlodromus e.g. Typhlodromus pyri, Typhlodromus doreenae or         Typhlodroinus athiasae.

According to a further aspect the invention relates to a rearing system for rearing the phytoseiid predatory mite.

The rearing system comprises a container holding the composition according to the invention. The container may be of any type which is suitable for restraining individuals of both populations. The rearing system may comprise means which facilitate exchange of metabolic gases and heat between it's interior and it's exterior such as ventilation holes. Such ventilation holes must not allow the escape of individuals of the populations from the container. This can be effected by covering the ventilation holes e.g. with a mesh.

The rearing system may be suitable for mass-rearing the phytoseiid mite species. Alternatively the rearing system may also be used for releasing the phytoseiid predatory mite in a crop. In this case it is preferred that the container can be rendered suitable to release mobile stages of the phytoseiid predatory mite at a certain moment. This can be effected by providing a closed opening in the container which can be opened. Alternatively or in combination therewith a relatively small releasing opening may be provided in the container, such that the number of phytoseiid mobile stages which leave the container in a given time interval is restricted. In this way the rearing system may function similar to the slow release or sustained release system as disclosed by Sampson, C., 1998 and in GB2393890.

In such a rearing system for releasing the phytoseiid predatory mite in a crop the container is preferably dimensioned such that it can be hung in the crop or placed at the basis of the crop. For hanging in the crop the container may be provided with hanging means, such as a cord or a hook.

According to a further aspect the invention is aimed at the use of the composition or the rearing system for controlling crop pests in a commercial crop.

The pest may be selected from, white flies, such as Trialeurodes vaporariorum or Bemisia tabaci; thrips, such as Thrips tabaci or Frankliniella spp., such as Frankliniella occidentalis, spider mites such as Tetranychus urticae, tarsonemid mites such as Polyphagotarsonemus latus. The phytoseiid predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii has shown a good efficacy for controlling these pests

The crop may be selected from, but is not restricted to (greenhouse) vegetable crops such as peppers (Capsicum annuum, eggplants (Solanum melogena), Curcubits (Cucurbitaceae) such as cucumbers (Cucumis sativa), melons (Cucumis melo), watermelons (Citrullus lanatus); soft fruit (such as strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa), raspberries (Rubus ideaus)), (greenhouse) ornamental crops (such as roses, gerberas, chrysanthemums) or tree crops such as Citrus spp.

The invention further relates to a method for biological pest control in a crop comprising providing a composition according to the invention to said crop.

The pest may be selected similarly as in the use according to the invention.

In the method according to the invention the composition may be provided by applying an amount of said composition in the vicinity, such as on or at the basis of a number of crop plants. The composition may be provided to the crop plant simply by spreading it on the crop plant or at the basis of the crop plant as is common practice for employing predatory mite compositions for augmentative biological pest control. The amount of the composition which may be provided to each individual crop plant by way of spreading may range from 1-20 ml such as 1-10 ml, preferably 2-5 ml.

Alternatively the composition may be provided to the number of crop plants in the rearing system according to the invention which is suitable for releasing the phytoseiid predatory mite in a crop. The rearing system may be placed in the vicinity, such as in or at the basis, of a number of crop plants.

In the method for biological pest control according to the invention it may not be necessary to provide the composition to all crop plants. As commercial crops are normally densely cultivated. The phytoseiid predatory mites may spread from one crop plant to another. The number of crop plants which must be provided with the composition according to the invention in order to provide sufficient crop protection may depend on the specific circumstances and can be easily determined by the skilled person based on his experience in the field. Usually the number of phytoseiid predatory mites released per hectare is more determining. This number may range from 1000-4 million per hectare, typically 100.000-1 million or 50.000-500.000 per hectare.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method for biological pest control according to the invention the crop is selected as described in relation to the use of the composition.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following examples, which show non-limiting embodiments of different aspects of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 Mass-Rearing of the Astigmatid Mite Carpoglyphus Lactis

Carpoglyphus lactis was mass-reared on a medium containing baker's yeast (Chmielewski, W., 1971 (a); Chmielewski, W., 1971 (b)).

The culture is kept in ventilated containers (for example buckets with sufficient ventilation holes with 47 micron gauze to prevent the mites from escaping) at between 22° and 25° C. and a relative humidity of 85 to 90%. Successful mass-rearing may be effected by adding fresh medium at least once every week. The amount depends on the number of mites in the medium but typically between 100 to 300% of medium of the original volume of the culture is added. The thickness of the rearing layer can be 1 to 10 cm, but not too thick to ensure optimal exchange of metabolic gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen and metabolic heat. Biomass weight percentages of mites to medium between 20% and 30% were reached when Carpoglyphus lactis was reared on this medium. Typically the population will increase 2 to 4 times each week.

EXAMPLE 2 Mass Rearing of Amblyseius Swirskii On Carpoglyphus Lactis

Amblyseius swirskii is reared in ventilated containers (for example buckets with sufficient ventilation holes to ensure optimal exchange of metabolic gases and heat with 47 micron gauze to prevent the mites from escaping) with a layer of 5 to 25 cm of buckwheat husks as a carrier.

The carrier layer should not be too thick to ensure optimal exchange of metabolic gases such carbon dioxide and oxygen and metabolic heat. At least once every week a rearing population of Carpoglyphus lactis with a biomass weight percentages of mites to medium of 15% to 30% is added to the container.

The quantity of Carpoglyphus lactis to be added is calculated based on the number of the phytoseiid predatory mites and Carpoglyphus lactis present in the rearing container. Optimally after adding fresh Carpoglyphus lactis the ratio of predators to prey should be between 1:7 to 1:12. The culture is kept at a temperature between 22° and 25° C., a relative humidity of 85 to 90% and a CO2 level of maximum 750 ppm in the rearing container. In this way a rearing population of Amblyseius swirskii can double to triple each week. Typically densities of 100 to 500 predatory mites per gram of rearing substrate can be achieved.

EXAMPLE 3 Oviposition Test of Amblyseius Swirskii On Juvenile And Adult Life Stages of Carpoglyphus Lactis

The objective of this experiment is to investigate if Amblyseius swirskii has a preference for juvenile stages (eggs, larvae and nymphs) of Carpoglyphus lactis or that it can also feed on adult life stages of this factitious host. For this different rearing systems of Amblyseius swirskii (some of them fed with juvenile stages of Carpoglyphus lactis and others fed with adults of Carpoglyphus lactis) were created. The differences between the mean number of eggs laid per Amblyseius swirskii female per day in the case that the food source are adult stages of Carpoglyphus lactis is compared to the case wherein the food source are juvenile stages of Carpoglyphus lactis.

Material And Methods

At the beginning of the experiment the Amblyseius swirskii adults were taken from an Amblyseius swirskii mass-culture which was started a few weeks earlier. 30 young adult females and 12 males were picked up from this mass-culture and transferred to six freshly prepared rearing containers. 5 females and 2 males of Amblyseius swirskii were placed in each one. In three of them as a food source was placed an ample amount of juvenile stages of Carpoglyphus lactis. The remaining three test cultures were fed with adults of Carpoglyphus lactis.

Once the six test cultures were prepared, they were located in a climate room under controlled temperature (25° C.) and humidity (75%) conditions. After two or three days in these conditions, they were taken out. Six new rearing containers, similar to the previous ones, were prepared to transfer the same 5 females and 2 males previously used. Ample amount of juvenile or adult stages of Carpoglyphus lactis as a food source were added to each test container as in the previous step. After transferring the males and females, the number of eggs was counted in the rearing containers from which they were transferred.

The old rearing systems were conserved in the climate room during two or three days for a second counting in order to detect some possible hidden offspring, after which they were destroyed. Similar to the old rearing systems, the new ones were also maintained to repeat the same procedure. Every day the residual amount of Carpoglyphus lactis in each rearing container was checked. If necessary a sufficient amount was added.

Every two or three days data were obtained by evaluating the number of offsprings of both the new rearing (first counting) and the old one (second counting). Based on the number of females and on the total amount of offspring which was found on each rearing container, the mean number of eggs laid per female per day was obtained.

Results Adult Stages of Carpoglyphus Lactis As A Food Source

When comparing the evolution of the number of eggs laid per female during the total experiment (making one assessment each 2-3 days), the mean ranges from 1.27 to 2.07 eggs/female/day.

For the whole period, the general mean is 1.80 eggs per female per day. The total amount of eggs laid per female is about 29 over a 16 days period. Comparing the mean number of eggs laid per female per day for the first, second and third independent rearing container, these are 1.84, 1.72 and 1.85, respectively. The experimental data is presented in table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Food source: adults of Carpoglyphus lactis. Data of the mean number of eggs laid per Amblyseius swirskii female per day for the 3 independent rearing systems and for the global experiment. Mean Total egg/day/ eggs/day/ Exp. Date Females offspring female female 1 10/11 5 15 1.50 1.84 15/11 5 24 1.60 17/11 5 17 1.70 19/11 5 23 2.30 22/11 5 30 2.00 24/11 5 17 1.70 26/11 5 21 2.10 2 10/11 5 10 1.00 1.72 15/11 5 31 2.07 17/11 5 20 2.00 19/11 5 21 2.10 22/11 5 31 2.07 24/11 5 13 1.30 26/11 5 15 1.50 3 10/11 5 13 1.30 1.85 15/11 5 34 2.27 17/11 5 23 2.30 19/11 5 18 1.80 22/11 5 25 1.67 24/11 5 19 2.38 26/11 5 10 1.25 Mean eggs/day/ eggs/day/ Day Period Females Offspring female female 10/11  0-2 days 15 38 1.27 1.80 15/11  3-5 days 15 89 1.98 17/11  6-7 days 15 60 2.00 19/11  8-9 days 15 62 2.07 22/11 10-12 days 15 86 1.91 24/11 13-14 days 14 49 1.75 26/11 15-16 days 14 46 1.64

Juvenile Stages of Carpoglyphus Lactis As A Food Source

If we compare the evolution of the number of eggs laid per female during the total experiment (making one assessment each 2-3 days), it was found that the mean ranges from 1.43 to 2.07 eggs/female / day.

For the whole period, the mean is 1.84 eggs per female per day. The total amount of eggs laid per female is about 33 over a 18 days period. Comparing the mean number of eggs laid per female per day for the 3 independent rearing containers, the means for the first, second and third rearing systems are 1.72, 1.89 and 1.81, respectively. The results are shown in table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Food source: juvenile stages of Carpoglyphus lactis. Data of the mean number of eggs laid per Amblyseius swirskii female per day for the 3 independent rearing systems and for the global experiment. Mean Total egg/day/ eggs/day/ Exp. Day Females offspring female female 1 10/11 5 18 1.80 172 12/11 5 21 2.10 15/11 5 31 2.07 17/11 5 17 1.70 19/11 5 16 1.60 22/11 5 33 2.20 24/11 4 10 1.25 26/11 4  8 1.00 2 10/11 6 15 1.25 1.89 12/11 6 24 2.00 15/11 6 31 1.72 17/11 6 25 2.08 19/11 6 26 2.17 22/11 6 36 2.00 24/11 6 25 2.08 26/11 6 22 1.83 3 10/11 5 20 2.00 1.81 12/11 5 21 2.10 15/11 5 26 1.73 17/11 5 21 2.10 19/11 4 17 1.70 22/11 4 24 2.00 24/11 4 13 1.63 26/11 4 10 1.25 Mean eggs/day/ eggs/day/ Day Period Females Offspring female female 10/11  0-2 days 16 53 1.66 1.84 12/11  3-4 days 16 66 2.06 15/11  5-7 days 16 88 1.83 17/11  8-9 days 16 63 1.97 19/11 10-12 days 15 59 1.97 22/11 13-14 days 15 93 2.07 24/11 15-16 days 14 48 1.71 26/11 17-18 days 14 40 1.43

The results show that Amblyseius swirskii can reproduce on both juvenile and adult stages of Carpoglyphus lactis. EXAMPLE 4 Oviposition of Amblyseius cucumeris on Carpoglyphus Lactis.

With the same general experimental outline as described in example 3, the mean number of eggs layed per Amblyseius cucumeris female when using Carpoglyphus lactis as a food source was determined.

In this experiment however, no discriminatory determinations for juvenile and adults of the factitious host were done. Instead individuals of the Carpoglyphus lactis population were added non-selectively.

Results

If we compare the evolution of the number of eggs laid per female in the total experiment (making one assessment each 2-3 days), we appreciate that, avoiding the first period (2 days) where the average is 1.72 eggs/female/day, in the 5 next periods the mean ranges from 2.17 to 2.31 eggs/female/day. For the whole period, the general mean is 2.13 eggs/female/day. The data are presented in table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Data for the mean number of eggs laid per female per day for the 3 independent rearing systems and for the global experiment. Mean Total egg/day/ eggs/day/ Exp. Day Females offspring female female 1 29/10 5 19 1.90 2.32 01/11 5 37 2.47 05/11 5 26 2.60 08/11 5 35 2.33 10/11 5 24 2.40 12/11 5 22 2.20 2 29/10 5 25 2.50 2.39 01/11 5 37 2.47 05/11 5 25 2.50 08/11 5 36 2.40 10/11 5 19 1.90 12/11 5 26 2.60 3 29/10 6 11 0.92 2.13 01/11 6 31 1.72 05/11 6 23 1.92 08/11 6 33 1.83 10/11 5 22 2.20 12/11 4 14 1.75 Mean eggs/day/ eggs/day/ Day Period Females Offspring female female 29/10  0-2 days 16 55 1.72 2.13 01/11  3-5 days 16 105 2.19 05/11  6-7 days 16 74 2.31 08/11  8-10 days 16 104 2.17 10/11 11-12 days 15 65 2.17 12/11 13-14 days 14 62 2.21

The results show that Amblyseius cucumeris is able to reproduce on Carpoglyphus lactis. REFERENCE

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1. Mite composition comprising: a rearing population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species, a factitious host population, and optionally a carrier for individuals of said populations, characterised in that the factitious host population comprises at least one species selected from the family of the Carpoglyphidae such as from the genus Carpoglyphus, preferably the species Carpoglyphus lactis.
 2. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the phytoseiid predatory mite species is selected from: the subfamily of the Amblyseiinae, such as from the Genus Amblyseius, e.g. Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius swirskii or Amblyseius largoensis, from the genus Euseius e.g. Euseius finlandicus, Euseius hibisci, Euseius ovalis, Euseius victoriensis, Euseius stipulatus, Euseius scutalis, Euseius tularensis, Euseius addoensis or Euseius citri, from the genus Neoseiulus e.g. Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus longispinosus, Neoseiulus womersleyi, Neoseiulus idaeus or Neoseiulus fallacis, from the genus Typhlodromalus e.g. Typhlodromalus limonicus or Typhlodromalus peregrinus from the genus Typhlodromips e.g. Typhlodromips montdorensis; the subfamily of the Typhlodrominae, such as from the genus Galendromus e.g. Galendromus occidentalis, from the genus Typhlodromus e.g. Typhlodromus pyri, Typhlodromus doreenae or Typhlodromus athiasae.
 3. Composition according to claim 1-2, comprising a food substance suitable for said factitious host population.
 4. Composition according to claim 1-3, wherein the factitious host population is a rearing population.
 5. Composition according to claim 1-4, wherein the number of individuals of the phytoseiid predatory mite species relative to the number of individuals of the factitious host is from about 100:1 to 1:20, such as about 1:1 to 1:10, e.g. about 1:4, 1:5 or 1:7.
 6. Method for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite comprising: providing a composition according to claim 1-5, allowing individuals of said phytoseiid predatory mite to prey on individuals of said factitious host population.
 7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the composition is maintained at 18-35° C. and/or 60-95% relative humidity.
 8. Method according to claim 6-7, wherein said composition comprises a carrier and a suitable food substance and the factitious host population is maintained as a three-dimensional culture on the carrier.
 9. Use of an astigmatid mite selected from the family of the Carpoglyphidae such as from the genus Carpoglyphus, preferably the species Carpoglyphus lactis, as a factitious host for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite.
 10. Use according to claim 9, wherein the phytoseiid mite is selected from: the subfamily of the Amblyseiinae, such as from the Genus Amblyseius, e.g. Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius swirskii or Amblyseius largoensis, from the genus Euseius e.g. Euseius finlandicus, Euseius hibisci, Euseius ovalis, Euseius victoriensis, Euseius stipulatus, Euseius scutalis, Euseius tularensis, Euseius addoensis or Euseius citri, from the genus Neoseiulus e.g. Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus longispinosus, Neoseiulus womersleyi, Neoseiulus idaeus or Neoseiulus fallacis, from the genus Typhlodromalus e.g. Typhlodromalus limonicus or Typhlodromalus peregrinus from the genus Typhlodromips e.g. Typhlodromips montdorensis; the subfamily of the Typhlodrominae, such as from the genus Galendromus e.g. Galendromus occidentalis, from the genus Typhlodromus e.g. Typhlodromus pyri, Typhlodromus doreenae or Typhlodromus athiasae.
 11. Rearing system for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite, which system comprises a container holding the composition according to claim 1-5.
 12. Rearing system according to claim 11, wherein said container comprises an exit for at least one mobile life stage of the phytoseiid mite.
 13. Rearing system according to claim 12, wherein said exit is suitable for providing a sustained release of said at least one mobile life stage.
 14. Use of the composition according to claim 1-5 or the rearing system according to claim 12-13 for controlling a crop pest.
 15. Use according to claim 14 wherein the crop pest is selected from white flies, such as Trialeurodes vaporariorum or Bemisia tabaci; thrips, such as Thrips tabaci or Frankliniella spp., such as Frankliniella occidentalis, spider mites such as Tetranychus urticae, tarsonemid mites such as Polyphagotarsonemus latus.
 16. Use according to claim 15, wherein the crop is selected from (greenhouse) vegetable crops such as peppers (Capsicum annuum, eggplants (Solanum melogena), Curcubits (Cucurbitaceae) such as cucumbers (Cucumis sativa), melons (Cucumis melo), watermelons (Citrullus lanatus); soft fruit (such as strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa), raspberries (Rubus ideaus)), (greenhouse) ornamental crops (such as roses, gerberas, chrysanthemums) or tree crops such as Citrus spp.
 17. Method for biological pest control in a crop comprising providing a composition according to claim 1-5 to said crop.
 18. Method according to claim 17 wherein the pest is selected from white flies, such as Trialeurodes vaporariorum or Bemisia tabaci; thrips, such as Thrips tabaci or Frankliniella spp., such as Frankliniella occidentalis, spider mites such as Tetranychus urticae, tarsonemid mites such as Polyphagotarsonemus latus.
 19. Method according to any of the claims 17-18, wherein the composition is provided by applying an amount of said composition in the vicinity, such as at the basis, of a number of crop plants, preferably each crop plant.
 20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the amount is from 1-10 ml, preferably 2-5 ml.
 21. Method according to claim 17-18, wherein the composition is provided in the rearing system according to claim 12-13, by placing said rearing system in the vicinity, of a number of crop plants, preferably each crop plant, such as by hanging said rearing system in said crop plant.
 22. Method according to any of the claims 17-21, wherein the crop is selected from (greenhouse) vegetable crops such as peppers (Capsicum annuum), eggplants (Solanum melogena), Curcubits (Cucurbitaceae) such as cucumbers (Cucumis sativa), melons (Cucumis melo), watermelons (Citrullus lanatus); soft fruit (such as strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa), raspberries (Rubus ideaus)), (greenhouse) ornamental crops (such as roses, gerberas, chrysanthemums) or tree crops such as Citrus spp. 